Real Madrid News
Talavera boss reacts with pride after unforgettable night vs Real Madrid – ‘Wish I could play games like this every week’
Talavera’s Copa del Rey journey may have come to an end, but the way they exited the competition left a lasting impression.
After a dramatic 2-3 defeat against Real Madrid in the round of 32, head coach Alejandro Sandroni faced the media with a mix of pride, emotion, and satisfaction.
Rather than focusing on disappointment, the Talavera manager chose to highlight the spirit and effort shown by his players on one of the biggest nights in the club’s history.
When asked about the feeling left by the narrow scoreline against the Spanish giants, Sandroni immediately set the tone.
“I’m not going to talk about the football. It was a beautiful night. In terms of football, we always want to win, but our passion lasted until the 93rd minute.”
About the performance
The conversation then shifted to Talavera’s second-half display, where they showed more attacking intent and pushed Real Madrid deeper than many expected.
Sandroni was quick to explain that bravery is always relative when facing a club of Madrid’s level
“We were as brave as Madrid allowed us to be. In the first half, we played a spectacular defensive game.
“They went 0-2 up and thought it would be easy. We talked about how we didn’t care about the result and that we had to continue with the goal of making the fans proud of the players.”
There was also a discussion around a penalty decision during the match. However, Sandroni refused to be drawn into refereeing debates.
“I haven’t seen it, so I won’t comment. It’s up to you to judge. It’s not my place. I said the other day that it’s very rare for me to talk about referees.”
On facing Real Madrid
One of the most striking moments of his press conference came when he was asked about the challenge of facing Real Madrid, often jokingly described as entering “Disneyland” for smaller clubs.
Sandroni embraced the idea with honesty and emotion, saying, “I wish I could play games like this every week, because it brings out the best in all of us.
“I expected it to happen, and now it has, and I’m extremely proud of what the team has achieved. We got what we could out of it. I’ve fulfilled one of my dreams.”
Finally, when questioned about whether he expected more from Real Madrid, Sandroni once again shifted the focus back to his own players and the respect shown on the pitch.
“I focused a lot on my team because I couldn’t control that. Then there are a lot of journalists who are going to analyse it.”
He then concluded by adding a note of appreciation towards the opposition, saying, “I just want to thank them for their behaviour too, because I feel that at times they gave their all and that made us improve.”
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
